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Stephen MacDermid

Born In: Wreck Cove
Born: July 22nd, 1961

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our superhero. Stephen Alexander MacDermid was born in the heart of Wreck Cove to Gwen and the late Ian MacDermid on July 22, 1961.
Steve found his three greatest passions early and amazingly dedicated his life to each. When we was 12, he began lobster fishing with his idol and father. At 17, he bought a licence and would pass on his passion for the sea to his two boys.
First starting as a player, Steve would find his true powers when he began a coaching career that's influence is unfathomable. You were not just a better player with Steve as your coach but a better person. He began on the bumps in Tarbot where he was a major factor in starting the soccer program that he would follow to Baddeck. There was no turning back, moving on to the male and female soccer programs at Baddeck Academy, where he transformed a group of hooligans into a family he couldn't have been more proud of, treasuring each member past and present. “There's something special about being a Bronco.”
Steve would go on to rekindle the Tier 1 senior women's soccer program in Cape Breton. With the soccer season being too short for his liking he soon restarted and coached the female high school hockey team and eventually began the softball program. A fire that burns so strong can't be contained and his spark soon lit the soccer program at Rankin High School and then on to the Whycocomagh team.
He spent his winters between rinks following his three superstars always there with a post game analysis. Even at 29, 26 and 25, they still asked "How'd you think I played Dad?" He followed his kids as closely as possible across the country and beyond not wanting to miss one second of the action.
With an incomparable wisdom, Steve knew what was important early on. At only 21, he would marry his high school sweetheart and love of his life Grace Ann and followed her to North River where together they would build the life that touched so many.
As someone who never stopped giving for those he cared so deeply about, it is impossible to put in words all that he did, all that he was and the lives he touched.
Stephen was predeceased by his favourite man and father, Ian MacDermid. He leaves behind his four treasures; his sidekick, Grace, and his three devastated children, Ben, Caleb and Jessica. He is also survived by his mother, Gwen; brothers, Ian-Glen and Kerr; sisters, Joy, Amanda, Nona, Amber, Gena; and his special nieces and nephews.
You are our captain, gently guiding us, our dad, always there, best friend, our shoulder, steady and strong. You are the anchor that kept our family grounded. We love you dad.
Visitation to be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16 at MacAskill Funeral Home Baddeck. A celebration of Stephen’s life, accomplishment and contributions will be held at the Victoria Highland Civic Centre, Baddeck, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Victoria County Civic Centre or the SPCA Cape Breton branch.
“The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long”